Cash That Ticket - Friday January 23rd

Munaf Manji and Dave Essler talk betting for this weekend. Munaf Manji opened the Friday, January 23rd episode of Cash That Ticket on RJ Bell’s Dream Preview by setting the stage for a packed betting discussion heading into the weekend, with Championship Sunday, NFL coaching news, NBA analysis, promotions, and best bets all on the agenda. Dave Essler joined him still frustrated from the previous night’s loss tied to Franz Wagner being ruled out late, which caused a sharp line move and turned what looked like a favorable position into a loss from the opening tip. Munaf revisited that game, noting how Charlotte’s strong record on the second leg of back to backs was mentioned but ultimately ignored, a decision both agreed was a learning moment. Dave emphasized that no bettor hits one hundred percent and that losses must be studied rather than dismissed. The conversation shifted to NFL news with Munaf breaking down the Baltimore Ravens hiring Jesse Minter as head coach on a five year deal, highlighting his defensive success with the Chargers and his prior time in Baltimore. Dave admitted surprise that the Ravens went defense first, stressing that the offense, particularly Lamar Jackson’s durability and passing limitations, remains the bigger question and will hinge on the offensive coordinator hire. Early Ravens win total speculation followed, with ten and a half discussed before schedule context softened some concerns. Attention then turned to Patriots versus Broncos props, where Munaf floated Jared Stidham over 32.5 pass attempts, reasoning New England would force him to throw. Dave countered with Drake May unders if backing the Patriots and strongly endorsed Pat Bryant over 2.5 receptions despite heavy juice, citing Denver’s likely pass heavy script and Bryant’s role before his prior concussion. Injury notes on Troy Franklin reinforced value on secondary Denver receivers, with both hosts recalling how Bryant’s early catches last week were erased by injury. For the NFC matchup, Munaf backed Sam Darnold to throw an interception based on repeated struggles against the Rams and defensive familiarity. Dave added Matthew Stafford under 36.5 yards for longest completion, pointing to Seattle’s recent success eliminating explosive plays, while also discussing long shot props like Davante Adams to lead receiving yards. Munaf countered with Stafford passing yard trends in Seattle and suggested live betting opportunities if the Rams trailed, along with Cooper Kupp over 30.5 yards. The show moved into NBA, starting with Rockets versus Pistons, where Munaf highlighted Houston’s poor performance on road back to backs, recent defensive collapses, and Detroit’s elite defensive rating of 100.1 over the last ten games. Cade Cunningham’s status was key, with value tied directly to his availability. Dave warned about rapid line movement tied to injury news and leaned toward Pistons team total overs or split half strategies. Raptors versus Blazers followed, with bo